I have a starter motor that wont stop

Post by **philb** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 8:06 am

Hi everyone

Turned key to start engine, starter motor starts wirring, fans turning, but engine doesn't start and starter motor continues to run even without the key in the ignition.

This happened yesterday and starter stopped, tried again and worked fine. This morning however the starter continued to run and there was steam / smoke coming off the battery +ve.

Eventually (2 -3 mins) the starter ground to a halt. Any ideas?

Thanks
Phil

Post by **kennatt** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 8:17 am

sounds like the solenoid is sticking,if you don't already know it is simply a switch when you turn the ignition it powers the solenoid and alows a direct power link from the battery to the starter.If it happens again you Must disconnect the battery terminal(either earth or live)it will burn out the starter or worse cause a fire risk in the wiring harness.Sometimes a good spray with wd40 can free up the solenoid. Good luck

Post by **philb** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:08 am

can this happen if it gets wet?

Post by **philb** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:11 am

I've sprayed everything with WD40. The solenoid was very wet!

Unfortunately the battery is as flat as a pancake so I've got it on charge.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:30 pm

It could be ignition switch sticking/failed ! Solenoids are very reliable.

Post by **newagetraveller** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 2:25 pm

You can eliminate the ignition switch by pushing the button underneath the starter solenoid to activate it.

I would also try removing the rubber covers from the two thick wires going to the connections on the top of the starter solenoid and try shorting them together with a large screwdriver or similar which will eliminate the solenoid.

However any sparks produced by this process can cause an explosion especially if you have recently been charging up the battery so take care.

Post by **bigginger** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 2:59 pm

newagetraveller wrote:You can eliminate the ignition switch by pushing the button underneath the starter solenoid to activate it

If it has one - not all do.

Post by **aupickup** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 4:51 pm

i have 3 that wont go !!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by **les** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:09 pm

i have 3 that wont go !!!!!!!!!!!!

sentimental value?

Post by **bigginger** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:13 pm

Baffled me with that one too ;)

Post by **aupickup** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:19 pm

yep they just wont go
tried leaving them but they all returned back to my garage

oh well will give them more pocket money

Post by **bigginger** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:20 pm

Enjoying your Friday night, then?

Post by **aupickup** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:30 pm

Post by **les** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:35 pm

Lets crack open another!